From every generation since the SNES, Nintendo has tried to push console/handheld connectivity in some way. They started off with simple connectivity such as big-screen display, and since then they've used it for data connectivity between and as an additional controller. They usually ended up with no support except for a handful of designed to demonstrate it. Is there any reason to believe this generation will be any different?
Well, this generation, we have:
1. The U's design philosophy
2. Compatible input
The first one is probably the most important. Nintendo's approach to the console has been about
control options. They are supporting the remote (with attachments) and balance board, and the U controller itself includes almost every available method of input. In another year or two, 3DS adoption should be much higher, so why wouldn't it be used as well? Nintendo is already depending on the consumer's prior purchases with the Wii, and there will certainly be some multiplatform games between the two, which has been their most common use of connectivity so far. They could also download "companion" software to the 3DS, which is similar to Wind Waker's GBA connectivity. These are ideas that have been done in prior generations, and they have competitors who are planning to support them. I would be surprised if they were not at least considering it.
This is also the first time both devices have the same inputs and nearly identical layouts. They have never been this similar before, and the vast differences between Wii/DS and GC/GBA made it difficult to come up with any useful applications. However, the Wii U and 3DS have the same inputs with very nearly identical layouts. They both have:
- 4 face buttons
- 2 analog sliders (with 3DS add-on)
- 1 D-pad
- 4 shoulder buttons (with 3DS add-on)
- Resistive touch screen and stylus
- Front facing
- Gyroscope
So what can be done with the two when they are connected?
Controls: The 3DS can act as a scaled-down Wii U controller for secondary players, if the Wii U can only support one tablet controller.
Emulation or game streaming: The Wii U could play full or downloadable 3DS games on the big screen, similar to Sony's Remote Play
Secondary information: Similar to companion apps, things like maps or other information. I don't think this is likely since the Wii U controller already has a much better screen
Does Wii U and 3DS connectivity actually have a chance, or will it fail to gain support like every generation before this?